Maintaining a Successful Law Practice

In keeping with me check-list style post from last week discussing what to consider when starting a firm, my post will focus on "Maintaining a Successful Law Practice" by the LOMAS Staff. Immediately I feel there is a big relief to see the authors discussing how the large, high-profile cases do not always make a successful lawyer. I see working already at law firms that the best lawyers, and certainly the most efficient lawyers, are those who are able to balance the workplace and their personal lives. I see more confidence in them within the workplace when they are happy outside of the workplace. 

Into the next paragraph, where the authors discuss how the entire infrastructure of staff can determine the success of an attorney. Happier attorneys seem to treat their staff better, and the staff in turn is more productive and happier, and it is a cycle that benefits everyone. 

Partnerships also have this aspect, as do general business communications. The authors articulate ten ways to improve chances of success in starting a firm. I will discuss a couple below: 

- Learning the Skill of Delegation: 

"One of the reasons frequently given by associate lawyers when announcing their departure from a firm is lack of delegation of responsibilities. Poor delegation leads to a turnoff of talented people because of a perceived lack of trust. All people need the opportunity to fail and grow. New associate lawyers need to find their strengths and weaknesses. Objectively decide what to delegate. Don't delegate only those things you don't want to do. Delegate things that you know other staff members can do. Build confidence in your people. Give them enough guidance to direct their actions but not so much that they feel overwhelmed. You can check on progress but don't look over their shoulder continuously. To boost self-esteem and enthusiasm for handling future assignments it is important to ask questions such as, 'What did you encounter that you were not prepared to handle?' and 'Looking back, what choices would have been better?'"

Lack of delegation could result in a very unhappy workplace where employees don't feel they have authority or responsibility. It slows everything down, which can cause missed deadlines, confusion over what responsibility belongs to each member of a team, and I would assume a high turnover of employment.  

- Maintaining Excellent Client Relations:

"Making client relations a priority will go a long way toward keeping your 'old' clients your 'current' clients. Spending efforts in satisfying current clients will pay far more dividends than constantly trying to find new clients. Strive to obtain eighty percent of your new work from returning clients or from their referrals. Some client relations questions might include: Is your office designed to be convenient for you or for the client? Are telephone calls answered promptly? Is the office staff helpful and friendly? Do your clients believe their matters are handled promptly, particularly well, poorly? Do your clients believe there was 'value' in using you to assist with their matter? LOMAS suggests lawyers call their office, as if they were a client looking for a lawyer, to see how the call is handled."

This point stood out to me because I know that 99% of law school is how to think like a lawyer, but only in a few moments (including this class!) are we expected to know about the business of being an attorney. This section focuses on things that would make a client want to maintain your representation, including, most importantly, are calls answers promptly? This goes without saying that emails are equally, if not more, important. No matter how difficult it is to get through every email, lack of communication is a terrible way to erode a attorney-client relationship.